Skip to main content
Could Your Smoking Habit Be Masking Gum Disease? Gainesville, GA
Teeth and Gums Gainesville, GA

Gum disease is one of the most common yet serious oral health conditions. It is an infection that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later before it compromises the support of your tooth and damages your jawbone. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and it can even threaten your overall health.

The early stages of gum disease are very treatable, which makes it especially important to recognize its warnings signs. Typical gum disease symptoms are gums that are puffy, red or bleeding. While these are recognizable in most patients, those who smoke may not catch these prevalent signs. Essentially, if you smoke cigarettes on a regular basis, you may be suffering from gum disease without even knowing it.

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. This means that when you smoke cigarettes, the nicotine reduces blood flow to the small blood vessels in your gum tissues. This can make the gums appear more pale and smooth or otherwise “healthy.” This appearance stands in stark contrast to the red and bleeding gums that gum disease presents. Unfortunately, for smokers, just because your gums look healthy doesn’t mean they actually are. In reality, your gums could be detaching from the tooth root and causing destruction beneath the gum line. Another setback for smokers is that once gum disease has set in, it is even harder for the immune system to fight back against the infection.

If you aren’t willing to kick your smoking habit (which will provide invaluable benefits to your oral health and body health), then you’ll at least need to make sure you are visiting your dentist for routine exams. During these visits, you will be given a periodontal screening to measure the attachment levels of your gums and bone around each tooth. This may be the only way to detect gum disease when a smoking habit is hiding primary symptoms.

If you smoke and notice gum recession, bad breath or loose teeth, please call us right away. At Gainesville Dental Group, we work hard to help patients avoid gum disease, but we are fully equipped to provide the latest periodontal treatments when necessary. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

The Gainesville Dental Group
1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 297-0401
Monday & Tuesday 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

Read more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.